5 Things to know about La Liga

RAMPANT RONALDO Even Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly impressed by his own form of late. “Maybe because of the quantity of goals I have scored I could say this is the best moment of my career,” Ronaldo was quoted as saying in sports daily on Thursday. “This could be my best season.” NEYMAR’S MOMENT With Messi out, this appears to be Neymar’s moment to take the reins at Barcelona. “I don’t feel extra pressure because Messi’s out,” said Neymar, who has scored five goals. INJURED INTERNATIONALS The international break was not kind to Barcelona and Real Madrid on the injury front. Barcelona were already missing Messi and left back Jordi Alba. Midfielders Xavi Hernandez and Cesc Fabregas, and defender Gerard Pique are all questionable and the Catalan club will be without goalkeeper Victor Valdes and right back Dani Alves. Madrid are likely to be without midfielder Sami Khedira for the remainder of the season. Fullbacks Marcelo of Brazil and Fabio Coentrao of Portugal are also unavailable because of injuries. ATLETICO TO KEEP PACE Atletico Madrid also have concerns, with strikers Diego Costa and David Villa both questionable for today’s game against Getafe. Diego Costa missed his first cap for Spain because of a leg injury while Villa returned from Spain duty nursing a sore right leg. That could give striker Adrian Lopez a bigger role against Getafe. Midfielder Mario Suarez is also sidelined by injury. Uruguayan internationals Cristian Rodriguez and Diego Godin may not start after returning from their World Cup qualifying success against Jordan. FRIENDLY DERBY The Seville derby between Real Betis and Sevilla used to be one of the most vicious and bitter in Spain. Several years ago, former Sevilla coach Juande Ramos was knocked unconscious by a plastic bottle thrown from the stands. – Sapa/AP